Chinese Freedom & U.S. -Taiwan Security Forum 2026

Congressional Briefings on U.S.-Taiwan-China Relations and CCP Transnational Repression, Digital Authoritarianism & Influence Operations
About this Event

Forum Description

The Chinese Freedom and U.S. Security Forum brings together policymakers, national security experts, human rights advocates, technology specialists, and members of the Chinese diaspora community to examine the growing challenge posed by the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) transnational repression, digital authoritarianism, and global influence operations.

As strategic competition between the United States and the CCP intensifies across technological, informational, economic, and security domains, the conference explores how authoritarian systems increasingly operate beyond national borders — shaping public discourse, influencing democratic institutions, targeting dissident communities, and expanding mechanisms of surveillance and control into the international sphere.

The program will examine key dimensions of this evolving challenge, including:

• CCP transnational repression and influence operations in democratic societies
• Digital authoritarianism, AI-enabled surveillance, and information control
• Cognitive warfare, disinformation, and online influence campaigns
• Cybersecurity, internet fragmentation, and infrastructure vulnerability
• Military-civil fusion and the strategic role of emerging technologies
• Energy security, semiconductor competition, and AI infrastructure dependency
• Risks to U.S. national security, democratic resilience, and civil society

Agenda:

8:15 – 9:00 AM: Registration & Coffee

9:00 – 9:10 AM: Welcome Remarks

• U.S. Congressman Andy Ogles, Chairman, Subcommittee of Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure.

• Xiaoxu Sean Lin, Ph.D., executive director, Consilium Institute

9:10 – 10:40 AM: Session I

Enhancing Collaboration:

U.S.–Taiwan Cybersecurity, Information Freedom and Countering Digital Authoritarianism

Focus:

• CCP cyber threats

• Taiwan frontline cyber defense lessons

• Critical infrastructure resilience

• Hospitals, ports, telecom, energy systems

• DHS/CISA cooperation

• Cyber-enabled transnational repression

Panelists:

· Congressman Andy Olges

· Professor Yu-Chieh Lee, Executive Director of the Cyber Security Research Center at Academia Sinica and Chairman of the Taiwan Network Information Center (TWNIC).

· Hao-wei Chen, Chief Information Security Officer for the Taiwan and Japan regions at Coupang, a Fortune 150 company.

· Xiaoxu Sean Lin, Executive Director, Consilium Institute (Moderator)

10:40 – 10:50 AM: Break

10:50 AM– 12:00 PM: Session II

Countering CCP Influence Operations, United Front Activities and Strategic Infiltration

Focus:

• Educational influence operations

• campus intimidation

• foreign funding transparency

• CCP influence campaigns via Confucius Institutes or other Chinese teaching entities.

• AI/media ideological influence

Panelists:

· Nicholas Eftimiades, former U.S. intelligence officer at CIA, DOS and DIA. Professor in Penn State’s Homeland Security Programs

· Dr. Bradley A. Thayer, founding member, Committee of Present Danger: China

· Dr. Yu-Hsi Liu (Lucy), Associate Professor, Shih-Hsin University, Taiwan

· Cheryl Yu, Fellow, Jamestown Foundation

· David Zhang (Moderator)

12:00 – 12:40 PM: Working Lunch + Networking

CVC Atrium: boxed lunch / Sandwiches/networking

12:40 – 2:30 PM: Session III

Human Rights & Religious Freedom in China and Chinese People Awakening Movement

Potential panelists: Congressional members, victims and Human Rights Experts

Focus:

• Falun Gong persecution

• transnational repression

• forced organ harvesting

• Quitting CCP movement

•

Including:

• 12: 40 – 1:00pm:

Award Ceremony for Quitting CCP movement:

Remark by Dr. Zhiyuan Wang, Global Service Center for Quitting CCP

• 1:00-1:10pm:

Falun Gong Witness testimony and call of rescue

Remark by Alicia Zhou, Falun Gong Practitioner in Maryland.

· 1:10-2:30 pm:

Panel Discussion on forced organ harvesting and transnational repression:

· David Matas, distinguished human rights lawyer

· Piero A. Tozzi, senior director for China Policy at American First Policy Institute

· Alejandro Centurion, MD, Associate Director of Medical Affairs, Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH)

· Erping Zhang, Spokesperson, Falun Info Center

· Rep. Scott Perry, U.S. House Committee of Foreign Affairs (invited)

· Marion Chen, board member, Consilium Institute (Moderator)

2:30 – 2:40 PM: Break

2:40 – 4:10 PM: Session IV

Prospects on U.S.–Taiwan–China Relations, CCP Internal Fragility and Indopacific Strategic Outlook

Focus:

• Challenges on Taiwan Strait Security

• CCP internal power dynamics and fragility.

• U.S.– Taiwan-China relations after Trump-Xi meeting and U.S.-Iran Conflicts

• Indopacific regional stability

• democratic resilience

Panelists:

· Ming Chu-Cheng, Professor Emeritus, National Taiwan University

· Chung-Chi Yu, Retired Major General, Republic of China Army
Former Deputy Commandant, Republic of China Military Academy

· Gordon Chang, Author, Geopolitical Analyst, and China Expert

Senior Fellow, Gatestone Institute. (invited)

· David Stilwell, former Assistant Secretary of State, for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. (Remote Participation).

· Tianliang Zhang, Senior Fellow, Consilium Institute & Professor at Fei Tian College (moderator)

4:10 – 5:40 PM: Session V

Taiwan-U.S. Alliance on Economic, Technology & Democratic Resilience

Panelists:

· Adam Savit, Director of China Policy Initiative, American First Policy Institute

· Wu Chia-Lung, Economist and Geopolitical Analyst

· Chin-Mo Cheng, Associate Professor, Tamkang University, Taiwan

· Dr. Yu-Hsi Liu (Lucy), Associate Professor, Shih-Hsin University, Taiwan

· Prof. Frank Xie, Vice President of Research, Consilium Institute (Moderator)

5:40 – 6:25 PM: Integrated Documentary Excerpts

From “China Stealth Invasion” (~40 min curated excerpts)

Hosted by Tobias Elvhage, Producer of “China Stealth Invasion”.

6:25 – 6:30 PM: Closing Remark

Ming Chiang, President, Hello Taiwan

Note:

• CVC Room 268 will be arranged as Press Working Room

• CVC Room 217 will be arranged as Media Interview Room

• CVC Room 217 will also be served as VIP Receiving Room

• Separate interview opportunities can be scheduled at CVC Room 217 for interview with Congressional members, experts and victims.

Hosting by:

Consilium Institute & Hello Taiwan

Co-sponsored by:

• Global Service Center for Quitting CCP

• World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong

# Why Attend?

As strategic competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) increasingly extends beyond military and economic domains into cyberspace, information systems, education, technology, and civil society, policymakers face a growing challenge: how to protect democratic institutions while preserving the freedoms that define open societies.

The Chinese Freedom & U.S. Security Forum 2026 provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with Members of Congress, national security experts, cybersecurity professionals, human rights advocates, policy leaders, and distinguished guests from Taiwan to examine some of the most pressing challenges facing democratic societies today.

This year's forum explores how digital authoritarianism, cyber threats, transnational repression, influence operations, and information control increasingly affect both national security and fundamental freedoms. Participants will also gain valuable insights into how democratic societies can strengthen resilience, defend critical infrastructure, protect vulnerable communities, and promote freedom in an era of growing geopolitical competition.

The forum also marks the 27th year since the launch of the Chinese Communist Party's campaign against Falun Gong. As part of the broader discussion on religious freedom, human rights, and freedom of conscience, participants will hear firsthand perspectives on the ongoing impact of persecution, transnational repression, and efforts to promote freedom and human dignity.

#What Makes This Forum Unique?

## U.S.–Taiwan Cybersecurity Cooperation

Taiwan stands on the frontlines of cyber warfare, disinformation campaigns, and digital coercion.

Learn from cybersecurity experts and policymakers about:

* CCP cyber threats and critical infrastructure vulnerabilities;

* Taiwan's real-world experience defending democratic institutions;

* opportunities for deeper U.S.–Taiwan cybersecurity collaboration;

* and emerging policy initiatives designed to strengthen cyber resilience on both sides of the Pacific.

Featured discussion includes the proposed: U.S.–Taiwan Critical Infrastructure Cyber Resilience Partnership Act**

## Freedom to Access Information in the Digital Age

As artificial intelligence, censorship technologies, and digital surveillance become increasingly sophisticated, the battle over access to information has become a defining challenge of the 21st century.

Explore:

* the evolution of digital authoritarianism;

* internet censorship and information control;

* technologies that expand access to independent information;

* and the role of information freedom in supporting democratic resilience.

## Countering Influence Operations and Protecting Educational Institutions

Democratic societies increasingly face efforts to influence public discourse, shape narratives, and exert pressure through educational, cultural, and institutional channels.

Experts will discuss:

* foreign influence operations;

* transparency and accountability in educational partnerships;

* campus intimidation and academic freedom;

* and how democratic institutions can maintain openness while safeguarding integrity.

## Human Rights, Religious Freedom, and Chinese Civil Society

Human rights remain a critical component of long-term democratic resilience.

This session will explore:

* freedom of belief and conscience;

* transnational repression;

* the persecution of religious communities;

* allegations of forced organ harvesting;

* and the broader significance of grassroots movements promoting freedom, dignity, and civic participation.

Participants will also hear personal testimonies and expert analysis on the challenges faced by individuals and communities targeted by authoritarian systems.

## Strategic Outlook: U.S.–Taiwan–China Relations

As geopolitical tensions continue to evolve, understanding the broader strategic environment has never been more important.

This session brings together experts from the United States and Taiwan to examine:

* Taiwan Strait developments;

* U.S.–China relations;

* regional stability;

* democratic resilience;

* and the strategic choices facing democratic societies in the Indo-Pacific region.

# Who Should Attend?

This forum is designed for:

* Members of Congress and congressional staff

* National security and cybersecurity professionals

* Foreign policy and defense experts

* Human rights advocates and legal practitioners

* Researchers, academics, and students

* Community and civic leaders

* Members of the Chinese and Taiwanese diaspora communities

* Anyone interested in strengthening democratic resilience and protecting fundamental freedoms

# Join the Conversation

The Chinese Freedom & U.S. Security Forum 2026 brings together policymakers, experts, and civic leaders to explore practical solutions to some of the most consequential challenges facing democratic societies today.

Through informed dialogue, policy discussion, and international exchange, the forum seeks to strengthen democratic resilience, promote human dignity, enhance U.S.–Taiwan cooperation, and support the long-term cause of freedom and self-determination for the Chinese people.

We invite you to join us for this important conversation at the United States Capitol Visitor Center.

Time: 07/21/2026, 9:00 AM - 06:30 PM

Venue: Congressional Auditorium & Atrium (CVC 200)

Address: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center,

at First Street NE, Washington, D.C., 20515

Hosting by: Consilium Institute, Hello Taiwan & Global Service Center for Quitting CCP

To reach out to Tuidang Center, please contact Ms. Sha. via this email: [email protected]

Agenda

🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:05 AM
Welcome Remark from Xiaoxu Sean Lin, Executive Director, Consilium Institute
🕑: 09:05 AM - 09:10 AM
Remark --Rep. Andy Olges, Chairman of House Subcommittee of Cybersecurity
🕑: 09:10 AM - 10:40 AM
Session I: Enhancing Collaboration on U.S.–Taiwan Cybersecurity
Host: Xiaoxu Sean Lin

Info: Panelists:
• Congressman Andy Olges
• Professor Yu-Chieh Lee, Executive Director of the Cyber Security Research Center at Academia Sinica and Chairman of the Taiwan Network Information Center (TWNIC).
• Hao-wei Chen, Chief Information Security Officer for the Taiwan and Japan regions at Coupang, a Fortune 150 company.
• Xiaoxu Sean Lin, Executive Director, Consilium Institute (Moderator)

🕑: 10:40 AM - 10:50 AM
Coffee Break
🕑: 10:50 AM - 12:10 PM
Session II: Countering CCP Influence Operations & Infiltrations
Host: David Zhang

Info: Panelists:
• Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Congressman John Moolenaar (invited)
• Nicholas Eftimiades, former U.S. intelligence officer at CIA, DOS and DIA. Professor in Penn State’s Homeland Security Programs
• Dr. Bradley A. Thayer, founding member, Committee of Present Danger: China
• Dr. Yu-Hsi Liu (Lucy), Associate Professor, Shih-Hsin University, Taiwan
• Cheryl Yu, Fellow, Jamestown Foundation (invited)
• David Zhang (Moderator)

🕑: 12:10 PM - 01:10 PM
Lunch & Screening: Film Excerpts-“China Stealth Invasion” (CVC 268 & CVC217)
Host: Tobias Elvhage

Info: Documentary film excerpts showing at two meetings rooms at the same time --(North CVC 268 and South CVC 217). China's Stealth Invasion is a 2026 investigative documentary produced by Luminous Films that explores how the Chinese Communist Party allegedly exploits American institutions, infrastructure, media, and technology to weaken the United States from within.Hosted by David Zhang, the film features former intelligence officials and national security experts who trace a systematic pattern of influence. It investigates how the strategy is rooted in a long-term blueprint to exploit democratic vulnerabilities, touching on key areas of modern competition:Technology & Infrastructure: Details how economic leverage and tech dependence are utilized as tools of pressure.Information & Media: Explores how influence operations seek to expand soft power across American society. Hosted by Tobias Elvhage and Tianliang Zhang

🕑: 01:10 PM - 03:10 PM
Session III: Human Rights & Religious Freedom in China and Chinese Awakening
Host: Marion Chen

Info: Including:
• Award Ceremony for Quitting CCP movement
• Falun Gong Witness testimony and call of rescue

Panel Discussion on forced organ harvesting and transnational repression:
• David Matas, distinguished human rights lawyer
• Piero A. Tozzi, senior director for China Policy at American First Policy Institute
• Alejandro Centurion, MD, Associate Director of Medical Affairs, Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH)
• Erping Zhang, Spokesperson, Falun Info Center
• Rep. Scott Perry, U.S. House Committee of Foreign Affairs
• Marion Chen, board member, Consilium Institute (Moderator)

🕑: 03:10 PM - 03:20 PM
Coffee Break
🕑: 03:20 PM - 04:40 PM
Session IV: Prospects on U.S.–Taiwan–China Relations & CCP Internal Fragility
Host: Tianliang Zhang

Info: Panelists:
• Congressman Andrew Garbarino and Brian Mast (invited)
• Ming Chu-Cheng, Professor Emeritus, National Taiwan University
• Chung-Chi Yu, Retired Major General, Republic of China Army
Former Deputy Commandant, Republic of China Military Academy
• Gordon Chang, Author, Geopolitical Analyst, and China Expert
Senior Fellow, Gatestone Institute. (invited)
• David Stilwell, former Assistant Secretary of State, for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. (Remote Participation).
• Tianliang Zhang, Senior Fellow, Consilium Institute & Professor at Fei Tian College (moderator)

🕑: 04:40 PM - 04:50 PM
Coffee Break
🕑: 04:50 PM - 06:20 PM
Session V: Taiwan-U.S. Alliance on Economic, Technology & Democracy Resilience
Host: Frank Xie

Info: • Adam Savit, Director of China Policy Initiative, American First Policy Institute
• Wu Chia-Lung, Economist and Geopolitical Analyst
• Chin-Mo Cheng, Associate Professor, Tamkang University, Taiwan
• Dr. Yu-Hsi Liu (Lucy), Associate Professor, Shih-Hsin University, Taiwan
• Prof. Frank Xie, Vice President of Research, Consilium Institute (Moderator)
•

🕑: 06:20 PM - 06:30 PM
Closing Remarks
Host: Ming Chiang